AFN-BC - Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified

  • Renewal Cost: $250-$350
  • Renews every 5 years

COURSE FORMAT

About

The Advanced Forensic Nursing Certification (AFN-BC) is relevant for nurses with knowledge and skills in caring for clients with acute and chronic concerns associated with being victimized by violence or mass disasters. The AFN-BC credential is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for renewal only.

Applicants for the AFN-BC credential renewal may apply online or by mail via the ANCC. The Renewal cost is $250 for American Nurses Association (ANA) members and $350 for non-members. Members of the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN) may reveal for $295.

Renewal

The AFN-BC certification is valid for five years. Before completing the online renewal application with the ANCC, the nurse’s professional development activities must be logged into the ANCC online platform.

To renew the certification, the nurse must fulfill the following items:

  • Complete the required 75 CEs and 1 or more of the 8 renewal categories for your certification credential within the five years before your renewal application submission. All APRNs—CNS and NP—are also required to complete 25 CEs of pharmacotherapeutics as a portion of the mandatory 75 CEs.

  • Hold a current ANCC certification that is expiring within 12 months.

  • Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.

  • For National Healthcare Disaster certification, continue to hold a license, registration, certificate, or degree as required for exam eligibility.

  • Pay the renewal fee.

The ANCC provides detailed information related to the qualifying activities for each renewal category in the Renewal Requirements.

Other Resources

The ANCC offers a renewal handbook.

Related Certifications

For nurses seeking initial certification in forensic nursing, the IAFN has additional information for the following certifications:

  • Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A)

  • Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P)

Was this page helpful?

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my ANCC Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC) certification if I plan to retire from practice?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC-Retired) designation for certification holders who are retired. There's a one-time application fee of $75 for ANA members and $100 for non-members to gain retired status.

My ANCC Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC) has lapsed for more than two years. Can I still renew my AFN-BC certification?

No, you can't renew your ANCC Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC) if it has lapsed for more than two years. This certification is available for renewal only.

What other certifications does the ANCC offer besides the Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC)?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) also offers the following:

  • Pain Management Nursing Certification (PMGT-BC)

  • Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC)

  • Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC)

  • Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC)

What organization offers the Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC)?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC) for renewal only.

What other certifications should I consider after getting the Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC)?

After obtaining the AFN-BC, you might also pursue the Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P).